International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Systems

Paramita Suklabaidya ¹, Anjana Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 IGNOU, New Delhi, IN

Abstract

Hotels theoretically can charge as many different rates or prices as they want, but if customers view the hotels rate policies as unfair, they are unlikely to patronize the hotel in future as perception of price fairness play an important role in customer satisfaction and their behavior. Considering the importance of perceived fairness, it becomes essential to understand the major factors influencing customers fairness perception of RM pricing. The purpose of this study is to determine customer perceptions of fairness concerning pricing policies charged by the hotel industry and to examine how familiarity and Information approach in pricing policies affect customer perceptions of fairness. The study was conducted in a Hospitality context (e.g. Booking and staying in five star hotel) in order to examine the effect of Familiarity and Information on customer perceptions of price fairness. A quantitative approach was used to measure respondents level of knowledge and impact of information and the current study conducted a survey with scenario based situations. The research also used Qualitative primary research through structured open ended interviews to discuss in detail related to differential pricing strategies. The interviews were conducted with Revenue Managers/General Managers from a spectrum of hotels in India. The research indicates that the high levels of transparency and information will accept rules of variable pricing, and the benefits and problems associated with the practice. This research will inform management the strategies that seek ever-finer price discrimination through the use of customer databases and individually targeted price offers. Some customer segments may be amenable to variable pricing and will happily play along with the companys rules. Other groups may not understand such rules, and in these circumstances may distrust a company that practices variable pricing.

Keywords

Variable Pricing, Differential Pricing, Familiarity, Price, Non-Price Information, Revenue Management.

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Monika Aggarwal ¹, Paramita Suklabaidya ¹

Affiliations
1 SOTHSM, IGNOU, New Delhi, IN

Abstract

Heritage cultural tourism is a large and fast-growing tourism product. United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has calculated that it represents 35%-40% of all tourism activities worldwide and is growing at a rate of 15% per annum. Globally more than half of all journeys have some or the other connection to living and built heritage. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for the industry players to save these sites from deterioration and the negative impacts, resulting specially from frequent tourist visits. This paper is a comparative study of the role of Public Sector and Public Private Partnership in India for heritage management. For the purpose of this study, researchers have concentrated on two popular Heritage sites of Delhi- Humayun Tomb and Safdarjung Tomb. Four parameters were identified - Heritage conservation, Tourist Arrival, Visitor Interpretation, and Funding that is received through various government organizations and private players. This paper is descriptive, and qualitative research based on case studies involving comparisons. The qualitative data is further supported by information collected through in depth interviews with various stake holders viz. ASI Delhi Circle, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Travel agents/operators, tourist guides along with the feedback of Tour&Travel Agents/Escorts. Primary data was also collected from tourists visiting these two sites. This paper proposes to understand which of the two models works best for promoting Heritage Tourism in India.

Keywords

Heritage Sites, Conservation, Public Sector, Public Private Partnerships, Heritage Tourism.

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Sandeep Chatterjee ¹, Paramita Suklabaidya ²

Affiliations
1 PhD Scholar, School of Tourism & Hospitality Services Management, IGNOU, New Delhi, IN
2 Associate Professor, School of Tourism & Hospitality Services Management, IGNOU, New Delhi, IN

Abstract

Food is an essential part of any tourism activity. Most tourists are interested in experiencing local culture through its cuisine (WFTA, 2019). However, it is paramount that this food tourism experience is to the satisfaction of the tourists and helps in generating repeat business. The city of New York was selected for the study as it is one of the most visited global destination which has developed an image of being a multi-cultural and vibrant society (DHS, 2018). The present study is focused on exploring the pre-visit food image of New York and the level of satisfaction expressed by tourists after experiencing the local cuisine. The research has the empirical objective to identify the gaps between perception and satisfaction in relation to a culinary tourist of New York. The study is based upon first-hand data collected in New York from a random selection of global tourists visiting the city. The research objectives and related hypothesis were tested in three distinct phases. In the first phase, an exploratory study was conducted with descriptive statistics to find out the salient factors comprising the cuisine image of New York. The second phase was designed to collect data on the same tourist’s level of satisfaction of the said culinary image. In the final phase, gap analysis was conducted on predetermined cuisine images by conducting correlation analysis using appropriate statistical tools. Finally, the Effect size of the gap was determined empirically to quantify the level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction. The study aspires to answer the research question - “What is the gap between perception and satisfaction in the mind of a culinary tourist in New York?”. This study gives an insight into the tourist’s impression of New York’s food and dining experience; and gives a fillip to destination promotors by spotlighting the likes and dislikes of food tourists

Keywords

Food Image, Food Tourism, Destination Marketing, Gap Analysis, Food-Tourism Satisfaction.

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